June 27, 2013 - Magic in the Med (Venice)

[nzdisneymom]

I ordered our Bus Turistic tickets today for Barcelona. You can get them up to 90 days out and it's 10% off if you do it online but you do have to print the voucher, they won't let you just show it on your phone. We used this HOHO bus in 2007. We are doing two days pre cruise on it.

 

[MrsScooby]

We have been on four Med. cruises so far and never had anything stolen. We traveled on subways systems and buses and so long as you take precautions you should be fine. One tip was not to sling your handbag across the back of your chair on on your knee in outdoor restuaunts.Around Sagria Familia (sp?) there seems to be alot of diversionary type pickpockets who work together where one distracts and the other works. As long as you keep a personal zone you should be fine. But pacsafes have a metal wire embedded in the strap and should be fine. I've always felt quite safe as any large city in the U.S. No worries.

I'm hoping we have the same experience
Can't remember where I read it but there were more Canadian passports lost in Spain than in all the other countries combined...
Rick Steves makes a big deal about it too
I think I am most worried about us because we are the biggest ADD family you ever saw
Seriously we have forgotten things and left them behind so many times it is embarrassing
And yes I do lists

AAA seems like a good deal. I don't know if I feel comfortable taking a backpack into some of the ports. I want to take my new DSL camera into ports with me, but not only is it kinds big, it was expensive. Has anyone else taken a DSL camera into Barcelona or Rome before? I honestly don't know how I'm going to carry it and might just opt to use my point and shoot in those ports.

Same worries here. I was saying the regular backpack as a way to bring larger items of minimal value with us into port. Things that if someone managed to get into the pockets or even walked off with it we would be able to replace easily.
Now as for cameras...You want your best pictures but you will inevitably worry about the camera.
At a camera class my DD and I went to the instructor showed us how he used a plain messenger type bag with a thick strap across his body to hold his camera while he also had his camera on a long crossbody strap as well. That way he could wear both and keep the camera in the bag when not taking pictures. He said he avoids expensive camera bags because he feels they advertise the expensive camera. This way you are not walking around with the camera hanging from your neck in full view all the time.
I also heard that changing out your sd card frequently would help avoid losing all your pictures and good trip insurance should cover the cost of a stolen camera.
Some really amazing photos on many of the Med trip reports

Got our passports in the mail on Friday
Just finished entering all of our port adventures into the spreadsheet on here
Now it's finally starting to feel REAL!!

Any other singles going on this cruise?

I was so relieved when our passports came.
Yes, I do recall seeing other singles on this cruise

We booked a tour with a guide we found on toursbylocals.com, she is meeting us as the ship and then taking us on a tour and then made reservations for us at her favorite place to eat. I am really excited! She didn't tell me where, but we are pretty easy going and we will be in Venice, so we don't really care!

Sounds great
I had Darren call a restaurant in Venice last month to make a reservation and he said the guy barely spoke English and was shocked when we asked about a July reservation
We'll try again in a month or so

 

[MrsScooby]

Your comment about skirts made me think that for women and girls, perhaps go ahead and wear your shorts but have a wrap around skirt that you could just literally wrap around you for going into the churches. Remember in elementary school when your mom made you wear shorts under your dresses because you always were hanging upside down on the monkey bars? Same idea (ok, maybe that was just me!)

I spent 12 years in Catholic school and we learned early on to wear shorts under our skirts as the boys liked to peak too much
I figured the skirt would be almost as cool as shorts and cooler than long pants
Have not seen wrap around skirts in a long time...where do they sell them?

Are you all bringing a converter for electricity for the pre-cruise stay in Barcelona? We were thinking of borrowing one from a friend so we can charge up ipods / ipad / kindle fires - but then I was reading that these may not need a converter but just an adapter because they are designed to charge off either 110v or 220v - but I'm so tech-challenged that I'm not sure from what I'm reading over on Apple and Amazon. Anyone know or can point me to a definitive answer?

When we were in London, the plugs on the desks in the hotel were standard US style plugs and we were able to use it without a converter or adapter to charge, but I worried the whole time about it. Maybe I should check on TripAdvisor - just thought of that to look there.

We have so many electronics we are bringing I have to make sure we have at least 3-4 converters.
I'm hearing impaired and have a cochlear implant and the processor runs on batteries so I get first dibs on the outlets. But I will also bring disposable batteries just in case I can't recharge my regular batteries.
Only really need this for the 2 days in Barcelona.
Only apple products we have are ipods and I think we just used a converter back in 2010 when we visited Europe

I ordered our Bus Turistic tickets today for Barcelona. You can get them up to 90 days out and it's 10% off if you do it online but you do have to print the voucher, they won't let you just show it on your phone. We used this HOHO bus in 2007. We are doing two days pre cruise on it.

Is Bus Turistic the same or like the HoHo bus ? I was worried we would have a hard time staying awake on a bus on our first day in Barcelona. But on a bus the weather (rain)would be less of an issue, right ?
Maybe our second day...
How much did it cost?

 

[nzdisneymom]

Is Bus Turistic the same or like the HoHo bus ? I was worried we would have a hard time staying awake on a bus on our first day in Barcelona. But on a bus the weather (rain)would be less of an issue, right ?
Maybe our second day...
How much did it cost?

Yes it is a hoho bus. We used it in 2007 and nodded off a lot that afternoon. But it was good so we are doing it again. We got the two day because it was only 8 euro more per person so we figured we could do some the first afternoon and then the next day go about. We have Sagrada at 11.

http://www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/web/guest

By buying online we saved 10%. Tickets are 26 euro per day per adult. Discounted is 22.

 

[BellesMommy]

What is the secret itinerary tour?

 

[krennhack]

We have so many electronics we are bringing I have to make sure we have at least 3-4 converters.
I'm hearing impaired and have a cochlear implant and the processor runs on batteries so I get first dibs on the outlets. But I will also bring disposable batteries just in case I can't recharge my regular batteries.
Only really need this for the 2 days in Barcelona.
Only apple products we have are ipods and I think we just used a converter back in 2010 when we visited Europe



My 8-year-old DD is also a cochlear implant recipient! I was going through the big box we received from Cochlear 6 years ago when she received her first implant and came across the disposable batteries. I put them aside for the cruise as a back-up just in case something happens with her other batteries or the charger.

 

[krennhack]

My 8-year-old DD is also a cochlear implant recipient! I was going through the big box we received from Cochlear 6 years ago when she received her first implant and came across the disposable batteries. I put them aside for the cruise as a back-up just in case something happens with her other batteries or the charger.

 

[MrsScooby]

My 8-year-old DD is also a cochlear implant recipient! I was going through the big box we received from Cochlear 6 years ago when she received her first implant and came across the disposable batteries. I put them aside for the cruise as a back-up just in case something happens with her other batteries or the charger.

That's so cool
What brand/type of processor does she have?
I have the Nucleus 5 as I was implanted in December 2009 and I love it

The disposable batteries do not keep their charge indefinitely. I know they can still have some charge after their expiration date but eventually they die out completely. I always keep some disposables in my purse in case something happens to my rechargeable battery. I can change my batteries in the time it takes a red traffic light to turn green
But yes I am bringing both types of batteries on this cruise just in case

I was just at the Cochlears America Celebration in San Diego in February and got to meet Graeme Clark ! And they have some new gadgets for cochlear implant users that make it easier to hook up to an ipod or other device.

 

[MrsScooby]

Yes it is a hoho bus. We used it in 2007 and nodded off a lot that afternoon. But it was good so we are doing it again. We got the two day because it was only 8 euro more per person so we figured we could do some the first afternoon and then the next day go about. We have Sagrada at 11.

http://www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/web/guest

By buying online we saved 10%. Tickets are 26 euro per day per adult. Discounted is 22.

That link would be great for the first page Cindy.
I don't want to create more work for you, but with this trip requiring so much planning I was thinking of starting to add links to my first post on the first page just to have a place for an easy reference point
Even if there is some overlap with links maybe those of us with posts on the first page can share the links we have found to be helpful

What is the secret itinerary tour?

DCL offers that in one of their excursions but some of us booked directly with the site
http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/secretitineraries/

 

[MrsScooby]

What is the secret itinerary tour?

BTW- It's a tour of the Doge's Palace in Venice. DCL will take you there and back if you book with them. Or if you want to do this on your own there are a number of us that have booked the first english-speaking tour on July 4th and you can come along with us But you do need to buy your ticket in advance as the tours are limited to 25 people. Not sure if there is any room in the early tour but there might be in one of the later ones

 

[rotary2808]

Me too
Gotta find my Cove Café card before we cruise
Have you gotten their special coffee mug?
I was wondering if that was worth purchasing...

I've never gotten the mug cause I don't drink coffee. I usually just get hot chocolate or smoothies when I'm in there.

AAA seems like a good deal. I don't know if I feel comfortable taking a backpack into some of the ports. I want to take my new DSL camera into ports with me, but not only is it kinds big, it was expensive. Has anyone else taken a DSL camera into Barcelona or Rome before? I honestly don't know how I'm going to carry it and might just opt to use my point and shoot in those ports.

The first time I used a DSLR was in Rome. I was never really concerned carrying it either. It stayed around my neck the whole time and usually a hand on it just to be on the safe side. I have a smaller camera now, but I'd much rather carry the DSLR in ports than in Disney. That's where its size gets in the way.

 

[krennhack]

That's so cool
What brand/type of processor does she have?
I have the Nucleus 5 as I was implanted in December 2009 and I love it

The disposable batteries do not keep their charge indefinitely. I know they can still have some charge after their expiration date but eventually they die out completely. I always keep some disposables in my purse in case something happens to my rechargeable battery. I can change my batteries in the time it takes a red traffic light to turn green
But yes I am bringing both types of batteries on this cruise just in case

I was just at the Cochlears America Celebration in San Diego in February and got to meet Graeme Clark ! And they have some new gadgets for cochlear implant users that make it easier to hook up to an ipod or other device.

Lisa also has two Nucleus 5s. The left side was implanted in 2006 when she was 20 months old and the right in 2007 just before her 3rd birthday. Unfortunately, she was born with common cavities and no cochlear matter so the implants have provided very minimal benefit. She has sound detection but no discrimination. We still make her wear the processors so if and alarm goes off or something loud happens around her she will at least know to look. She is becoming quite fluent in ASL.

 

[gydell]

Same worries here. I was saying the regular backpack as a way to bring larger items of minimal value with us into port. Things that if someone managed to get into the pockets or even walked off with it we would be able to replace easily.
Now as for cameras...You want your best pictures but you will inevitably worry about the camera.
At a camera class my DD and I went to the instructor showed us how he used a plain messenger type bag with a thick strap across his body to hold his camera while he also had his camera on a long crossbody strap as well. That way he could wear both and keep the camera in the bag when not taking pictures. He said he avoids expensive camera bags because he feels they advertise the expensive camera. This way you are not walking around with the camera hanging from your neck in full view all the time.
I also heard that changing out your sd card frequently would help avoid losing all your pictures and good trip insurance should cover the cost of a stolen camera.
Some really amazing photos on many of the Med trip reports

Get a PacSafe backpack, very light, they can lock with a lock, and they cannot be cut.

 

[gydell]

Are you all bringing a converter for electricity for the pre-cruise stay in Barcelona? We were thinking of borrowing one from a friend so we can charge up ipods / ipad / kindle fires - but then I was reading that these may not need a converter but just an adapter because they are designed to charge off either 110v or 220v - but I'm so tech-challenged that I'm not sure from what I'm reading over on Apple and Amazon. Anyone know or can point me to a definitive .

We have 2 of the Apple converters we use. Also Target has a travel plug that you plug both your IPhone and IPod into, I got 2 of these, it will take up less plugs.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Fish Extender update: there are 19 yeses and 11 undecideds. In case that helps someone decide.

 

[Cptjackandcrew]

Fish Extender update: there are 19 yeses and 11 undecideds. In case that helps someone decide.

I just switched from undecided to yes. So the new total is 20.

 

[lgajohnson]

I just updated ours to no. It sounds like a great time, and I hope to be able to do it on one of our next dcl cruises, but I just don't think it will work with this one. Hope all of you have fun with it

Thanks for the tip to pre-book your tickets for the tour bus in Barcelona..gotta add that to my list! I have to thank all of your for so many great tips (both on here and fb) between the tour bus tickets, my new pacsafe bag, and the secret itineraries tour (belles mommy...we are on the 11:15ish?? one) our trip is coming together nicely.

 

[JLSE50]

I've resigned myself to the fact that I will NOT lose the weight I had grand plans to lose when we booked this adventure 16 months ago

Your comment about skirts made me think that for women and girls, perhaps go ahead and wear your shorts but have a wrap around skirt that you could just literally wrap around you for going into the churches. Remember in elementary school when your mom made you wear shorts under your dresses because you always were hanging upside down on the monkey bars? Same idea (ok, maybe that was just me!)



Fabulous - I love gettnig things together.



If you have other people in your traveling party with you, you could split your stuff so that all you have to be responsible for is your camera - someone else can carry the cash, id, etc., so you can have your hand on the camera / bag at all times. Then you'll be less likely to be distracted trying to take a photo, deal with tickets and such.



You are right - you have to be aware of your surroundings and keep your stuff in front of you at all times - I always feel a bit relieved to get back on the tour bus so I can relax my grip a bit! Have a plan with your group so that everyone is always watching so no one gets distracted / attention diverted, and split up the valuables that you have to carry so if one person does get pickpocketed, you haven't lost everything. Hopefully none of us will have to deal with this at all - but caution is a must.

I have two elastic waist long skirts I plan to bring. I will stuff them in my bag with water bottle, etc and when I want to go in a church I will pull it on over my head. Probably wait until we are back on a bus to take it off if I cannot find a private place

A wrap around skirt is a GOOD IDEA and would not be hard to sew. I bet there are patterns available.
That also makes me wonder if a swim wrap would be allowed. (assuming it does not gap on the side like mine does --did not lose my weight either )

I have a DCL tote that is red and black with a long strap. I can lengthen it the whole way and wear if over my head and shoulder, diagonally across my back and with the bag in front. The items I plan to take fit with plenty of space to let the top fold down and I can rest my hand on it all the time. That leaves the other hand free to hold DH's hand so we cannot be distracted and separated--seems like it's that "divide and conquer" system that works for the pick pockets.

.

 

[poohmomof5]

Morning all!

I find myself worried about all the talk of pick pockets. However, that being said, we when did our Europe trip in 2010, we did 5 weeks abroad. 2 weeks taking the train around Germany, Switzerland, Paris and London, then 3 weeks on the Magic, we did the last Baltic and then the repo back down to Barcelona.

I read all the alerts on the boards and bought the Pacsafe lanyard type things for all of us (didn't use, too cumbersome), I bought several of their slashproof backpacks (one of my kids and I brought our laptops) and a few of the cross shoulder bags. So I felt we were very prepared, but once we got out and about, I didn't think twice about pick pockets and we never had a problem. I certainly didn't spend my whole time stressing about it! I just took what precautions I could and then enjoyed.

That brings me to the mind of a pick pocket, they would see 7 of us wandering around looking lost, but 3 of them are 6' tall guys, the boys looking pretty scraggly (one won't shave while we are on vacation, the other may or may not), we are laughing and giggling alot and the only one with a bag is the crazy mom who has a bag overflowing with what looks like food she "borrowed" from the buffet that morning and raincoats and sweaters. Why on earth would they bother us

Anyway, that is my hope! Seriously though, we try to be very smart and if they take my bag, they will get some food and clothes, that's it. All the rest of our important stuff is safely hidden under my clothes.

But I really don't want anyone worrying about getting robbed, I think those money belts that you can wear flat on your skin for all your important stuff is a smart way to go, and anything you put in a bag, should be easily replaceable. I always walk in front of the group with my kids keeping a watchful eye on me (or so I like to believe). Actually, now that I think of it, neither of my boys would hurt a fly, but I would not envy the person that would try to take on either of my teen aged daughters! It would be ugly for that person. And I'm not kidding!

 

[klar]

Good Morning Everyone!

We are on this cruise having booked it a few weeks ago. I have a lot of catch up to do so any suggetions are welcomed. How do I become a friend on the facebook page? I sent a request but have not had a response.

Crusing will be me, my DH and DS (10).

Thanks.